John Howard is distancing himself from David Flint, after new revelations that the embattled ABA chief engaged in a second round of “gushing” letters with 2GB’s Alan Jones.
Mark Day in The Australian reveals the new stream of letters was exchanged in the middle of last year, when the ABA was investigating whether Jones was meeting disclosure obligations over the $1.2m deal with Telstra.
Until now, it was believed the exchanges were limited to four letters, written in May and June 1999. In these letters, Flint praised Jones for his “ability to enunciate the opinions of the majority on so many issues”. Jones wrote in reply of “allegiances” both held.
The 2003 letters began when Flint sent Jones a copy of his book, ‘Twilight of the Elites’. According to those who have seen the correspondence, Jones’ responses were of “gushing admiration”.
In November 2002, the ABA set up an inquiry into whether Jones and 2GB were breaching cash for comment disclosure rules over the Telstra arrangement. Only a month ago, it released its decision that Jones was acting within the law.
The Prime Minister is considering advice received on the propriety involving the letters of mutual admiration.
On ABC radio yesterday, he was critical of Flint for failing to disclose the 1999 correspondence with Jones before the cash for comment inquiry: “he regrets very much, and should regret, having not disclosed that correspondence”.
As the PM considers the advice he sought over the letters, speculation is mounting that he might force a decision on a plan to merge the ABA with the Australian Communications Authority, which presides over spectrum use in the non-broadcast sector. This matter has been on the Government’s agenda since last year.
Flint’s term as ABA chair expires on 4 October. If the PM calls an August or September election and loses, the job of finding a replacement would go to Labor. But, if the Government were to announce the merger of the bodies now, it could force Flint’s retirement and choose a head of the new body for up to five years.
Meanwhile, the ABA is pushing ahead with plans to review broadcasting codes of practice and licence standards relating to cash for comment issues.
It signalled the possible need for amendments in its Telstra inquiry report last month, saying “the commercial radio codes of practice may need to be amended to provide extra safeguards with respect to accuracy and fairness in current affairs programs”.
In its statement, announcing Flint’s withdraw from the ABC Iraq ‘bias’ inquiry, the ABA invited public discussion on “these major issues”.